Michele

....this coming from someone with an avatar that is poop wearing a Santy hat. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh well. Just checked the rooms available; I can't afford those that are, and the dates are wonky as well. Nothing in June, and I need to take some classes over summer...so...well...apparently you have to plan like a year in advance. And right now, my schedule won't allow that. I'll just figure something else out. Damn. I didn't realize how much I wanted this escape until I figured out I can't have it. Oh well. there are other options. I can always go visit my brother in Oregon, you know? He's got a room, and it's gorgeous up there. That might be what I end up doing. Damned damned damned it all. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey. A woman needs a car. She needs a damned fine car. Especially when it's going to be the only pleasure over the next 4+ years... And I am poor; the payments are making me so. ROFL. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kris, thank you for the ideas. I've been looking at Roosevelt, as it does provide less of the beaten path, and more of the quietness I want. The park's stuff can be accessed by car, and since I'm driving up, I can get there easily. I really want the wildlife and the quietness. I don't need fancy meals or big picture windows - I'll just sit outside if I want to look. as for the weather, I love the rain, and the storms. I'm hoping for that, you know? It will be a great difference from smoggy, hot Los Angeles...and I crave that. Thanks for the tips as to what to see, as well. I'm more likely just to lurk on Fishing Bridge with my camera at dawn trying to see some bears eating breakfast than I am to tool around the giftshops, so I'm thinking that the northeast area is going to be where I end up. Keep the advice coming - I appreciate it, and it's helping. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Lis, in considering how to actually do this, and manage to get the cats taken care of, and swing it financially...I have already had to cut it down from a 10 day escape to about 6...7 if I can get someone to feed the kitties. So at the moment, what I'm seriously considering is a week in Yellowstone, or 5 days in Yellowstone and the redwood forests of northern California as a "drive through" on the way home. There is so much to see, to do, to experience. I know I need about 3 months to get the original trip done the way it should be done, so I'm thinking about "small bites" as I don't see me being able to go away for 3 months at this point in time. thanks for the advice - from one who's done it...I appreciate it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I know quite a few FFs...but...well, see, I'm just not the one they invite to party with. LOL, and the one who has invited me to party just drinks. Besides, unless I had a ride home, I'd not undertake the 100 minute drive under the influence of anything. Not safe, not smart, and just not the right thing to do. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Shoot, darlin. We really need to get together for coffee... But no, I'm not walking. I'll drive, thank you very much! LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Agreed - but I'm one of those kinds of single women that think perhaps some maps might be really good...and yes, I can read them; as well as a small tent and a sleeping bag. I'm not looking for what everyone else does; I'm looking for away time, and me time. And time behind the camera, and time to contemplate the fuzz in my navel. That's not a 7-day cookie cutter kinda thing, you know? I really don't want to contend with crowds, either...I mean, if I want a crowd, all I have to do is go outside my own house. Or get on the freeway at rush hour. LOL. Nah, some quiet time is what I want... I'm considering all aspects of this, with some help from a friend or two. I'm thinking it through, and being cautious while at the same time itching to drop the top and just go. 'Course, that's probably the exam stress; but that won't let up until June at the earliest. Dunno just what yet. But somewhere, no doubt. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Squeak and Unformed, you don't really believe the wording was...accidental or something, do you? LOLOLOL!!! Actually, even if I wanted to get high, I don't know anyone who does pot let alone any of the other drugs. So I'd be SOL. I do drink...but right now, I'm backed up in my studies, so no play time...next Friday night, however....watch out!!! This girl is getting a margarita or 5!!! Mama, you're right; it's in the wording. But as a poor college student these days, I'm still in the "if" stage. Not even near the "hey, maybe I *can* do this" stage. So, for the moment, I'm just dreamin. My real dream would be to go on a 7 day Alaskan cruise on a smaller ship, but that runs a girl about $5,000...(the smaller ships are quite more expensive, but much better for me and my mind). That's what I'd adore doing this early summer - cruising through Alaska on a smaller ship, and be able to actually get some time with some of the park rangers that go on these smaller ships. And I'd take the train up and back - talk about a gorgeous trip with incredible photo ops. But anyway...back to the National Parks thing...it is some gorgeous, breathtaking scenery; and I'd love to do the trip not just because of the photo ops but also because of the necessary down time. No help from anyone? I know it's the weekend...and it's lovely weather...so I'll be patient. It's still just a dream anyway. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If I were to go road tripping, say for about 10 days in June, starting in Los Angeles and going to Yellowstone, The Grand Tetons, The Grand Canyon, and The Redwood Forests, which route would you plan for me? What campgrounds would be good for a single woman, or would motels be better? Cheaper the better, as me's just a starving student... But a neighbor put the idea in my head...me, my camera, and the Honda S2000, top down, cruising away for a few days' respite after a grueling year in school...shutterbugging my way through some of the most gorgeous scenery on this side of the US. Right now I'm just dreamin', but if anyone has any advice and/or hints and/or must see/must NOT go to's, lemme know. 'Cause if I can, I'm making this happen. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yeah, no kidding. I was thinking the exact same thing; with the herd I've got, it would be running from them, not me... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I wonder what would happen if the dems understood that. They'd have to find something else to complain about (and there really are plenty of valid things to pitch a fit about). Lies matter; blow jobs don't (well, in the grand scheme at least...). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Cora, you're smart, patient, driven, and determined. You'll get in. Shit, girl, you managed OChem without wigging out. I can't even fathom when I have to tackle that...I'll be crying every damned day, all day... Look, it's hard to get into the schools. So, take some time, see if you can't take a bit of a break over the summer, and start afresh next time round. You'll make it; you're too perfect for vet school to not, you know? And have your rum drink...I just came in from hours of Microbio lab, and if I didn't have to study a bit now, I'd join you. Instead, I've got to figure out what went wrong with my neg stain, and see if I can't get some microscope time tomorrow and redo it. And then it's on to prepare for two exams next week - micro and physio. Sigh...so have a second rum drink for me, all right? You'll make it next time 'round...no doubt. Hugs. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not always...some of the times it's dangerous, critical, and very sad. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sunnyone, somehow, that bed just doesn't fit with your demure demeanor. Me? I have a 4 poster queen size, elevated bed with overdeep mattress and box spring. That means that I, quite literally, don't have to get up when I wake - rather, I just swing my legs over the edge and I'm standing. I love it, and I've been in it for 7 years. It's perfectly sized for canoodling and snoozing, and unlike porpoise head above, I don't have to spend tons of money on sheets...even though the matress is overdeep, the sheets I get fit just fine. And if anyone is in my bed looking at how the sheets fit, then I'm doing something really wrong. So far, no comments. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nah. Had it been Thin Mints, well, see...then yer talkin'. But Tagalongs? I'd've felt insulted. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh. In that case, "Oh. My. Photoshop/Editing. God."

You're welcome. 'Kay, niceties are done. Like Mike said...back to your regularly scheduled flame fest. Sigh. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh. My. God. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ya know, eggplant is not a fun food. No matter how you slice, dice, or spice it, it's a scary plant...and not one I like. My mom used to make stuff with eggplant, and I'd just not like it. I'd eat "around" it, you know? LOL. And yes, Squeak - dolmathes. There's a great restaurant here in LA called "The Great Greek", and it's a feast. Live music, dancing, the occasional plate throwing, and incredible food... See, now I'm gonna have to find someone to take me there...I've got a craving for their lemon lamb kabobs...and their dolmanthes. Sigh... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Stuffed grape leaves? Yummy, as long as they're not too oily. I've never made them, but might just have to give it a try someday. Every time I've had them, I admit I've loved them (again, as long as they're not too oily). Stuffed cabbage is yummy, too. And stuffed bell peppers. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I made that last week - it was good, especially because it was rainy and chilly. But this week, I think I'll make some ground beef with jalapenos and garlic; that's great for a "taco" salad and/or mixed into some spicy rice. My school schedule means that I can cook one day before it starts (Tues-Thurs, about 20 hours class room), so I try to make something I can easily and quickly heat up and that's fairly nutritous. So the ground beef mixer is just about perfect for this week. 'Cause falafel does NOT keep well... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I like it strong - lots of garlic and whatever other spices are there. I sort of "dilute" it with the pita and greens, you know? 'Course, then I go and add onions to it, also...so the dilution doesn't work. Besides, I don't have any wheat germ. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Like I said, Jeanne, if it's not deep fried, it's not that bad at all. Just checked the package - 1 serving is about 4.5 grams fat...and that's not too bad at all. Carbs are kinda high, but still...not too bad at all. Squeak, I don't like hummus, but I do like tabouli...hrm. Maybe I need to make some of that next time. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Goodness, this stuff is great! I just made some from a mix I got in the market. Modified the recipe (i.e didn't deep fry it...), and am feasting at the moment. Good grief, this stuff is yummy. I'm going to have to get more of the mix, 'cause it's easy, nutritous, and delicious. Especially stuffed into a pita bread with cucumbers and lettuce and onion. Yummy! Anyone have any other recipes for falafel? I'd love to experiment a bit with this. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~